Limit outdoor movement of children, elderly amid heat wave: Experts

Health experts have strongly advised people to avoid taking children and elderly family members outdoors unless absolutely necessary during a heat wave.

Extreme temperature significantly increases the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses, they said, urging people to maintain heightened awareness and careful monitoring to protect high-risk groups.

Experts said children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat as their bodies cannot regulate temperature effectively, making them prone to heatstroke and dehydration.

Physicians recommend ensuring regular intake of water and fluids for children, rather than relying on their sense of thirst.

Hydrating options such as coconut water, lemon-based drinks and homemade fruit juices are especially beneficial in maintaining electrolyte balance.

They also advised avoiding direct exposure to sunlight, particularly between 11am and 4pm, when temperatures are usually at their peak.

If going outside is unavoidable, individuals should use umbrellas or hats and wear loose-fitting, light-coloured cotton clothing.

"Children frequently suffer from heat-related conditions such as heatstroke, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration during prolonged hot weather," said Dr Md Abdul Kader, associate professor of the pediatrics department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

He said children often cannot clearly communicate their discomfort, making it essential for parents and caregivers to remain alert to early warning signs.

He further advised maintaining a cool and comfortable indoor environment for both children and the elderly, using fans or air coolers where necessary, but avoiding prolonged exposure to direct cold air.

Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, unusual fatigue and excessive body heat may indicate approaching heatstroke and should prompt immediate medical consultation, he added.

Regarding diet, Dr Kader recommended increasing the intake of fluids including water, coconut water, lemon drinks and yoghurt-based beverages such as lassi.

Water-rich fruits like watermelon, melon, papaya, cucumber and banana can help regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration, he said, adding, "Easily digestible meals such as rice, lentils, vegetables and fish prepared with mild spices are suitable for children, while yoghurt can aid digestion and help keep the body refreshed."

Dr Hasan Hafizur Rahman, associate professor of the DMCH medicine department, said the prevalence of diarrhoea, jaundice and other infections tends to rise during hot weather due to increased activity of viruses and bacteria.

Consuming food from outside, especially street food such as fuchka, chotpoti and various sugary drinks, poses a high risk of contamination and can quickly lead to illness, particularly among children and the elderly, he added.

Dr Rahman advised prioritizing freshly prepared, hygienic, light and nutritious meals at home, noting that food spoils rapidly in high temperatures.

Maintaining proper hygiene, including regular handwashing, is essential to prevent infections during this period.

Talking to BSS, Dhaka district Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Zillur Rahman said health authorities have already issued directives to healthcare workers to provide necessary guidance to patients regarding heat-related precautions.

He reiterated key recommendations, including drinking sufficient amounts of safe water, avoiding tea and coffee, minimizing exposure to direct sunlight, and using protective measures such as umbrellas, hats or caps when going outdoors.

Public health expert and adviser to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dr Mohammad Mushtuq Husain, underscored that keeping the body cool and preventing dehydration are the most effective ways to combat heat-related health risks. He advised people to increase fluid intake and avoid working near heat sources or under direct sunlight during peak hours.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that a mild to moderate heatwave is sweeping over different parts of the country, including Tangail, Faridpur, Lakshmipur, Khulna, Jashore and Kushtia, as well as Rajshahi division, and is likely to persist.

Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.